Messages Highlight the late financier and former Trump strategist Ties

Steve Bannon
Bannon was one of Trump's key strategists prior to resigning from the White House in August 2017

In November 2018, Steve Bannon, previously Donald Trump's chief strategist, visited the UK preparing for a speech at the prestigious Oxford Union.

The event was interrupted by hundreds of demonstrators, and Bannon, scheduled to board a flight that night, informed Jeffrey Epstein in an email: "Activists slowed down my talk I doubt I can make the flight we r enroute to the airport".

Epstein replied: "There. Is a Gulf Air that leaves at 950 with a layover in Bahrain". Bannon replied: "U r an amazing assistant".

These exchanges were released on this week together with over 20,000 pages from the estate of Epstein, the late convicted sex offender.

The disclosure by the Congressional committee includes an iMessage chat where Bannon's identity is withheld. The BBC managed to confirm his involvement by matching the dates, occurrences, and locations mentioned.

For example, Epstein discusses arranging a jet from the UK for the redacted user in the chat, and commends their "Oxford speech". Bannon took part in the Edinburgh conference on 14 November, and gave the speech at the Oxford Union two days later.

Bannon, who faces no allegations of any wrongdoing, did not reply on the request for comment.

Epstein's Assurance to Bannon

Bannon served as the president's key advisers in the lead-up to the presidential election and in the early days of his presidency, but stepped down from the administration in 2017.

He has acknowledged he was producing a film about Epstein prior to his death and reportedly has around 15 hours of footage. In a recording of his podcast recently, he stated: "We plan to release the series, the five-part series, in the coming year - early next year."

But the recently disclosed materials suggest Bannon's relationship with Epstein extended than documenting his life, with the disgraced financier occasionally seeming to act like a aide.

A short time before the exchange in which Epstein appeared to have booked a charter jet for Bannon, Epstein remarked: "how does it feel to have the most highly paid booking agent in history ".

Bannon expressed gratitude: "You are pretty good assistant", to which Epstein replied "Massages. Excluded".

Discussing a trip to "Abu Dhabi" in another message, Epstein assured Bannon: "I will ensure you are well looked after."

British Affairs Mentioned in Exchanges

The released messages also show Bannon and Epstein discussing UK politics in that year.

Earlier on the same day his address at the Oxford Union, Bannon messaged Epstein: "I became involved in the EU exit issue this day with Farage, Johnson and Rees Mogg."

Then, in what appears to be a allusion to the UK prime minister, the embattled British leader at the time, he added: "The guys are attempting to proceed. may today / tomorrow…"

Epstein advised Bannon: "I think remaining as long as you can uk. Best-- so others get the dedication of your follow-up."

Soon after, Epstein inquired: "Can Theresa May survive". Bannon replied: "It seems unlikely however the people over here have no balls" and added "Johnson ; Michael Gove; Rees Mogg; Davis - somebody has to step up".

Theresa May was finally toppled in May 2019 after withstanding two votes of lack of support in late 2018.

A spokesman for Reform UK informed media: "Farage has not been in a meeting with Steve Bannon, Jacob Rees Mogg and Boris Johnson." And there is nothing to suggest such a meeting occurred.

The Congress will decide soon on whether the justice department should make public all its records concerning its investigation into Epstein, who passed away in prison in that year.

Attention in Epstein's relationships with powerful figures was reignited recently after the release of over 20,000 pages from his estate.

A portion of those referenced Trump, who has repeatedly denied any impropriety. The leader was a friend of Epstein's for a long time, but claims they parted ways in the 2000s, two years prior to Epstein was first arrested.

Scott Romero
Scott Romero

A seasoned gaming journalist with a passion for slots and casino trends, dedicated to sharing honest reviews and strategies.